Traffic-warning device



Dec. 24, 1929. R. c. ECKSTRAND 1,740,501

TRAFFIC WARNING DEVICE Filed Aug. '7. 1928 1t Mu Patented Dec. 24, 1929 UNITED STATES RUDOLPH o. EOKSTR-AND, or SEATTLE, WASHINGTON TRAFFIC-WARNING DEVICE Application filed August 7, 1928. Serial No. 297,925.

My invention relates to traiic warning devices and the primary object of the invention is to provide a trafiic device comprising a plurality of upstanding ribs or cleats placed in 5, spaced relation transversely across a drive way in the line of traflic and adjacent an arterial highway, railroad, or other dangerous crossing whereby a distinct vibration or shaking of a vehicle is caused when its wheels come in successive contact with the ribs thus giving warning to the occupants of the ap proaching dangerous crossing in suiiicient time for them to stop the vehicle before the crossing is reached. Another object is to provide a preliminary warning, that is intended particularly for drivers going at a high rate of speed, by placing some of the transverse ribs or cleats in spaced relation several hundred yards in advance of the dangerous crossing. A further object is to provide a light ing arrangement comprising a plurality of electric light tubes so placed and housed by the device that the light rays will serve as an additional warning of a dangerous crossing. A still further object is to provide portions of letters that are painted or otherwise impressed on the forward sides of the ribs or cleats and other portions of the device in such manner that they will collectively form the word Stop or other word of warning when viewed from a distance and in slanting per spective. Additional objects are to provide means for raising and lowering the device, and also means whereby the light from the electric tubes will show through holes or slots provided through the ribs or cleats.

iVith the above and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consist of the novel construction, adaptation, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed. These objects are accomplished by devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: a

Figure 1 is a diagramatic view of the traf- [ic device as a whole;

Fig. 2 is a view in cross section of the main portion of the device which may be taken on a broken line X, m of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view in front perspective of the main portion of the device showing the word Stop formed by portions of letters;

Figs. l and 5 are views in cross section showing means for raising and lowering the device;

Fig. 6 is a view in cross section of a modifi'ed form; and

Figs. 7 to 14 inclusive are views in diagram showing the many forms which the ribs or cleats may take in cross section.

Referring to the drawings throughout which like reference numerals designate like parts and to Fig. 1 in particular, the numeral 5 indicates the two main portions of the trafiic device each of which may be located in the line and direction of trafiic on the right hand side of a secondary highway 6 and at suilicient distance back from an arterial highway, railroad, or other dangerous crossing 7 to give the driver ample time to stop before his vehicle actually reaches the crossing. As a means of giving preliminary warning of .the approach of a dangerous crossing to drivers of vehicles going at ahigh rate of speed I have provided a plurality of secondary devices 8, similar to the main portions of the device but fewer in number, which are placed several hundred yards in advance of the crossing.

The main and secondary portions 5 and 8 respectively of my traffic system comprise a plurality of upstanding ribs or cleats 9 that may be separated by bottom plates 10. Said rib members are placed transversely of the driveway and each with its bottom plate may form a separate unit or the entire portion may be one integral whole as desired. The ribs may project above the surface of the highway particularly in rural districts, or their tops may be flush with the surface oi the driveway especially within city limits. In Fig. 2 of the drawings the ribs are increasingly elevated from the first which is flush with the surface" to the last which projects somewhat above the surface. It will be dis tinctly understood that the ribs are not of suflicient height to obstruct or interfere with trafiic in any way and are solely intended to cause a sharp vibration of a vehicle and thus serve as an unmistakable warning of the prosimity of danger ahead. The ribs may ordinarily be placed about fifteen inches apart so that the wheels of a motor vehicle will rest completely on the bottom plates 10 between each rib as shown in dotted lines at 11 in Fig. 2.

Referring to Figs. 2, 5 and 6, I have provided a lighting system for the device by forming tubular housings 12 at the corners where the bottom plates 10 join the ribs 9. Electric light tubes 13, such as neon tubes, are disposed within said housings and may be connected in one circuit. Incandescent or other lights may be used if desired. The light rays, that are preferably red in color, show through openings or slots 1 1 in the housings and serve as an additional warning signal. In Fig. 6 glass plates or screens 15 are placed over said openings to protect the tubes. It will be understood that during wet weather the water may be readily drained off by a slight inclination of the device. In Figs. 2 and 3 apertures 16 are disposed in slantwise direction toward the electric tubes through the ribs for the purpose of increasing the light from a distance as will be readily understood.

An additional warning signal is shown in Fig. 3 of thedrawings. Here portions of letters 17 are painted or otherwise marked on the forward sides of the ribs 9 and also partly on their bottom plates 10. When viewed from a distance and at slight elevation said portions of letters will collectively form the word Stop or any other desired word which will serve as a warning that danger is near. Means for raising and lowering the device are shown in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings. In Fig. 4.- the device is raised bodily by providing an underground space 18 wherein the bottom portion of the device is housed with its ribs 9 projecting through slots 19 in the pavement or roadbed. J ackscrews 20 may be turned exteriorly by a wrench to raise or lower the device as will be understood. In Fig. 5 the ribs may be pivotally raised or lowered by means of a lever rod 21 having eccentric projections 22 thereon as shown. Other means may be devised for raising and lowering the device and I do not wish to limit myself to the means herein shown.

It will now be obvious that I have provided a very efiective trafiic device which will give warning of dangerous crossings and approaches that cannot be mistaken even by the most careless and unobservant drivers. Even though a driver should fail to see the lights and warning words he would certainly feel the vibration when his car rides over the upstanding ribs. The outlaying devices 8 will ive a preliminary warning and these may be so spaced apart as to indicate by their spacing the kind of dangerous crossing that is being approached. The danger or red light is ordinarily used in my device although it will be understood that the lighting system may be connected up in any desired manner with other traffic lights and signals.

Having thus described my invention, it being understood that minor changes may be resorted to in its construction without departing from its scope and spirit, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A traffic warning device comprising a plurality of ribs disposed in spaced relation across a driveway, a lighting system for said ribs, and said ribs having apertures for passage of light rays from the lighting system.

2. A traffic warning device comprising a plurality of ribs disposed in spaced relation across a driveway, a lighting system for said ribs, said ribs having apertures for passage of light rays from the lighting system, portions of letters on said ribs adapted to collectively form words of warning when viewed from a distance and the lighting system arranged to illuminate said portions of letters.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 30th day of July, A. D.

RUDQLPH O. ECKSTRAND. 

